Every time you speak a word, take a step, or read a sentence, networks of neurons relay information across the brain. Researchers now have a powerful new way to watch those messages in real time by seeing each neuron light up when it fires. When a neuron receives input from another cell, a brief cascade … Read more

Summary: New research reveals that the cerebellum contributes not only to movement control but also to cognitive processes such as short-term memory and motor planning. Source: Baylor College of Medicine. Background For decades neuroscientists have assigned different brain regions to specific functions: the cerebellum was primarily linked to motor control and coordination, while the frontal … Read more

More than a century of research has shown that sleep supports the retention of memories for facts and events. New analysis suggests that deep, slow-wave sleep—the stage associated with consolidating fragile, newly formed memories into stable, long-lasting ones—may also reinforce the immune system’s memory of previously encountered pathogens. In an Opinion article published September 29 … Read more

Summary: A large genome-wide analysis of five reading- and language-related skills reveals shared genetic foundations that contribute to these abilities. Source: Max Planck Institute What is the biological basis of our uniquely human capacity to speak, read and write? An extensive genome-wide study of five reading and language skills, conducted across many thousands of people … Read more

Summary: A new neuroimaging study with Philadelphia-area jazz guitarists explored the brain processes that enable creative flow. The research shows that flow depends on a strong foundation of expertise, followed by letting go of conscious control so creativity can emerge naturally. Researchers measured brain activity and performance quality during jazz improvisation to identify what happens … Read more

Summary: Terazosin, a medication commonly used for enlarged prostate and high blood pressure, shows potential as a treatment for motor neuron disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Source: University of Edinburgh A drug already prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertension has demonstrated protective effects on motor neurons in laboratory and animal … Read more

Brain Structure Predicts Whether People Represent Numbers Spatially or Non‑Spatially A new study from the Donders Institute in Nijmegen demonstrates that the way individuals mentally represent numbers—either along a spatial line or via non‑spatial magnitudes—has a measurable structural basis in the brain. Many people mentally organize numbers along an imaginary horizontal line, with smaller numbers … Read more

Study implicates new gene in multiple sclerosis disease activity A study led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) identifies a genetic variant linked to altered response to interferon‑beta, a commonly used treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Published in Annals of Neurology on May 14, the report highlights SLC9A9 as a candidate gene that … Read more

The Ancient Art of Ikebana Inspires Bioprinting of Brain Organoids for Personalized Cancer Research Summary: Researchers adapted principles from the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging to develop a bioprinting method that creates miniature brain organoids, offering a more realistic platform for studying glioblastoma and testing personalized treatment strategies. Source: University of British Columbia From … Read more

Summary: A new Swedish twin study shows that how long an infant cries is strongly influenced by genetics, with heritability estimates rising from roughly 50% at two months to about 70% by five months. The study also finds that night awakenings and how quickly infants settle are more affected by environmental factors such as sleep … Read more